Former Bengals coordinator Hue Jackson still looking for first win as Browns coach

Losing streak, injuries make it hard to sleep

Tom Withers | AP Sports Writer

12:38 PM, Oct 19, 2016

Share Article

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 9: Head coach Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sidelines during the first half against the New England Patriots at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Image copyright 2016 Getty Images. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 16: Head coach Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns reacts on the sideline during the second half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Image copyright 2016 Getty Images. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

His insomnia is understandable given his team is 0-6, riddled with injuries, starting a rookie quarterback, and has lost nine in a row and 16 of 17 overall since last season.

Those issues would keep the soundest sleeper awake.

Jackson, though, believes the Browns are on the cusp of victory.

"We know it is coming," the first-year head coach said.

A day after Cleveland's comeback in the fourth quarter fell short in a 28-26 loss at Tennessee, Jackson's decision to go for a 2-point conversion had divided pundits and Browns fans, but the former Bengals offensive coordinator remained confident his young team is improving despite the litany of losses.

"We continue to stub our toe a little bit in some areas," said Jackson. "We just have to continue to fight to get over that hump. We are not going to stop doing what we do. I'm more determined — I say that every week — than ever before."

Jackson's resolve is commendable, as is the fight in his players despite a rash of injuries that would affect any team — never mind one with 18 rookies.

But Jackson isn't using his team's youth or health as excuses. The baby Browns are taking baby steps. Jackson doesn't think it will be long before they're off and running.

"Our guys are scrapping and clawing and trying to get there," he said. "We are going to continue to harp on the fundamentals to get there. I truly believe we will get these things done. We have 10 more opportunities to get this thing done right."

As has been the case in most of their games this season, the Browns had their share of bright spots, none shinier on Sunday than rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, who completed 26 of 41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In his fourth start, Kessler didn't make any major mistakes, survived being sacked six times, and showed poise and playmaking ability outside the pocket.

Jackson feels Kessler, who had to be rushed into the lineup after injuries to Robert Griffin II and Josh McCown, is steadily improving.

"He continues to impress with his courage," Jackson said. "He stands in there. He gets walloped a few times. He gets back up. He stands up and on he goes. That is pro football. Nobody likes their quarterback getting hit that much. I know I don't. There are some third down things we can do better and need to do better, but I think he's growing week by week, moment by moment, play by play."

Kessler's progress could make the Browns rethink their future plans at quarterback, but that's a discussion for another day.

Still, Jackson was effusive in his praise of the 23-year-old, who became emotional following Sunday's loss when reflecting on his younger brother recently being hospitalized, as well as the death of his great-grandmother.

"This guy is playing as good as I have had in a long time," Jackson said.

While Jackson's choice of Kessler in the draft isn't being panned as it once was, he was still being second-guessed for his decision on a 2-point try.

Down 15, the Browns scored with 2:10 left on a pass from Kessler to Terrelle Pryor. Rather than kick an extra point, which would have pulled them within eight of the Titans, Jackson decided to attempt a 2-point conversion, which failed, left Cleveland trailing 28-19 and essentially ended the game.

The Browns recovered an onside kick and scored again with 30 seconds left. They were within two after a PAT kick, but they couldn't recover a second onside kick and the Titans ran out the clock.

"I felt very comfortable, and still do, with the decision we made," he said. "Trust me you guys (reporters) made me think of it all night. I turned, tossed, pillow over my head, cover over my head, said, 'Hue, OK.' I have even called everybody that was involved with this with me, and I feel even better about what we decided to do today than even I did yesterday. I know there are two sides to every situation there. I respect how you all feel, but I feel very comfortable with the decision that we made for our team."

NOTES: Browns S Jordan Poyer has been placed on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney after a vicious blindside hit by Titans running back Antonio Andrews while covering a punt ... Poyer's serious injury is the latest for the Browns, who have placed 12 players on IRc this season ... Starting LG Joel Bitonio underwent season0-ending foot surgery on Monday ... Jackson said Pryor injured his hamstring and will be assessed later in the week. Pryor had nine catches for 75 yards and two TDs against the Titans. ... McCown practiced last week but did not play, and Jackson doesn't know if he'll be ready this week for the Bengals.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.